East Lothian bids for new studio site

Plans for Scotland’s first purpose-built studio have stalled after the Scottish Land Court found in favour of a tenant farmer on the site proposed for the development.

Scottish ministers had formally granted planning permission at the end of last year – the facility would have been known as Pentland Studios, based in Straiton near Edinburgh.

However, earlier this month local news outlets including The Scotsman reported that Jim Telfer, who farmed half the land proposed for development, had successfully won his case against eviction at the Scottish Land Court.

Now, according to the East Lothian Courier, a new attempt may be launched to house the studio over the border in East Lothian, with a former power station among the suggested locations.

Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s spokesperson for economic development and tourism, said to the outlet: “A major development like a film studio would potentially be very welcome in East Lothian as it could prove a huge boost for the local economy.”

A Screen Scotland spokesperson told The Knowledge: “We will make ourselves available to Pentland Studios, with other Screen Scotland partners, to offer any assistance we can.

“Meantime, we continue to pursue other permanent studio opportunities and actively market a range of studios and build spaces for productions of all sizes, attracting them to film in Scotland.”

Welcome to 3 Mills Studios, the iconic production destination at the heart of London’s most vibrant creative community.
We understand the challenges of production and… moreCall: 020 8215 3330 | Add to Shortlist

Action Image Productions are proud to announce their expansion and development of the Stage A studio at Cheltenham Film and Photographic Studios.
The 3,500 square… moreCall: 0800 298 3732 | Add to Shortlist